DULUTH, Minn. – A weekday home doubleheader turned into a trip on the road for North Central University baseball. A day after weather produced unplayable field conditions, the Rams traveled north to face UMAC foe St. Scholastica at Wade Stadium. NCU came up short dropping the pair of matchups, 8-3 and 19-0.

Although playing on the Saints home field, the Rams received the home designation and looked to take advantage early in Game 1. Cory Kukkola got things going quickly with a leadoff single. Three of the next four batters took their turn getting base hits as Grant Payne and Bryce Riege each drove in a run to get the scoring started.  With two outs in the first frame, Jared High smacked a chopper to second base, but the first baseman was not able contain the throw, allowing Riege to advance home for the third score. 

Unfortunately, North Central was unable to post another run the rest of the contest despite strong hitting from the heart of their batting order. Payne led the team with three hits in four at-bats and one RBI. Reige went 2 for 4 with one RBI, and Brandon Scott also went 2 for 4 at the plate for the Rams.

In Game 2, St. Scholastica gained the upper hand early and did not look back. After earning 10 runs in the first matchup, NCU was only able to connect for four hits in the second outing.

Next up, the Rams (1-14, 0-4 UMAC) will have the opportunity to avenge earlier losses to conference opponent Crown College (12-7, 3-0 UMAC) with a Friday afternoon doubleheader on April 14th. The scheduled first pitch is set for 3:00PM in Watertown, Minn.